帝王会所

Maddly Guillaume

Maddly Guillaume is a Medical Doctor and former circus practitioner. Initiated into funambulism with the Academy Fratellini in Paris, she founded the organization J鈥檃i Mal Partout 鈥� Medical Circus in 2016, bringing performance and circus arts into healthcare settings. In April 2020, she defended her medical thesis, Culture and Health with Circus Arts, at Universit茅 Sorbonne Paris Nord.

Alejandro Escobedo

Alejandro Escobedo (础濒茅) is an actor, clown, and juggler who has worked in theatre and contemporary circus for over 20 years. Trained at the La Mancha Theatre School in Santiago de Chile and later at the Acad茅mie Fratellini in Paris, he has performed internationally, including in Slava's Snowshow. His juggling skills earned him the Prix Sp茅cial du Jury at the 38th Festival Mondial du Cirque de Demain - Cirque Ph茅nix in Paris. Alejandro has collaborated with Rapha毛lle Boitel's company 濒'翱耻产濒颈茅(别) on productions such as Consolations, 5es Hurlants, and Un contre Un. In 2022, he created CiRCO iNFiNiTO and L'Orchestre et le Man猫ge Cosmique in Geneva. He is also involved in film, starring in FOAM HEART by Ukrainian director Igor Gavva and Clowns House by Gabrielle Lubtchansky. Alejandro co-founded Cirque M茅dical - J鈥檃i Mal Partout and is a passionate advocate for social circus.

Amanda Harris

Amanda Harris is a third-year doctoral student in Social Research Methodology Division (SRM) at UCLA鈥檚 School of Education & Information Studies. Her research explores applied theatre as both an innovative methodology to study learning and a pedagogical tool for building knowledge and intimacy, particularly within sexual health education. In her work, she draws from sociocultural theory and narrative theory in addition to applied theatre practices such as Theatre of the Oppressed. Harris aims to use her approach to educational research to help stakeholders better understand the qualitative aspects of adolescent sexuality to advance sex education pedagogy and implement more meaningful and inclusive sexual health initiatives within our current institutions.

Jia Williams

Jai M. Williams is the Program Manager of UCLA's Prison Education Program. She is a South Los Angeles native born in Inglewood, California. She is an alumna of UCLA鈥檚 Kaufman School of Dance and received her dual master鈥檚 in dance education and Master of Fine Arts in Dance from New York University. She taught dance in New York City and Los Angeles for several years to grades K-8. These styles included Ballet, African, Latin, Tap, Creative Movement, Hip Hop, and Jazz. While at UCLA, she taught movement workshops inside juvenile halls. After graduating from UCLA, she worked for a non-profit, Agency Arts, teaching dance, theatre, and poetry to formerly incarcerated, system-impacted, and foster care youth. Jai is working with UCLA's Art & Global Health Center on the Up to Us program, created in partnership with the Prison Education Program. She firmly believes that everyone should have access to dance.

Annika Agarwal

Agarwal is a medical student at the University of Pittsburgh and a 2023鈥�2024 Fulbright Scholar dedicated to advancing global women鈥檚 health. With a background in Anthropology and extensive experience as a qualitative public health researcher, she has led multiple international projects exploring reproductive health, palliative care, and health equity. Through her Fulbright project, Annika is introducing Collaborative Filmmaking to India for the first time, working with slum residents in Mumbai to explore menstrual waste disposal. She is also involved in the Global Women鈥檚 Health Research Collective (GloWHeR) palliative care Collaborative Filmmaking project, amplifying the voices of mothers across Pennsylvania. Her work bridges research, advocacy, and the arts, using storytelling as a tool to elevate lived experiences and drive systemic change. As a medical student, Annika is committed to integrating research and clinical practice to improve care for underserved populations. She incorporates creative methodologies鈥攕uch as filmmaking and digital storytelling鈥攊nto her research to highlight community voices in shaping health interventions. Her experience as a doula, including hands-on ultrasound training, has reinforced her passion for maternal and reproductive health. She hopes to build a career at the intersection of medicine, research, and policy, working to address health disparities and elevate community- driven solutions worldwide.

Alexandra K. Rodriguez, MPH

Alexandra K. Rodriguez is a Public Health PhD student at the University of Florida, specializing in social and behavioral sciences. As a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar, she focuses on the intersection of arts and public health. She has led grant-funded projects such as a mural-based vaccine confidence initiative and works with One Nation/One Project as a National Research and Impact Associate. Alexandra has contributed to WHO and CDC field guides on using the arts for health promotion and teaches a university course on leveraging the arts for public health initiatives.

Shanae Burch, PhD.

Dr. Shana茅 Burch (she/her) is a dynamic digital and performance storyteller who passionately believes in the power of storytelling to enhance health and foster understanding. Her journey began in North Hollywood, California, and later in Buena, New Jersey, where she cultivated a unique blend of urban and rural perspectives.

She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Emerson College, followed by a Master of Education in Arts in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Currently, Dr. Burch is pursuing a doctorate in Health Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, focusing on health equity and the integration of arts and culture into public health initiatives.

Her dissertation, titled "In Pursuit Of Healthful Narratives: Black Women And Gender-Expansive Citizens Creating And Performing Art And Cultural Work In Service Of 'Good Health'," exemplifies her commitment to exploring the intersection of art and well-being. This work features her play-in-progress, "GriefLove," and poetry contributions to Health Promotion Practice's "Poetry for the Public's Health" section, where she serves as a co-Associate Editor.

Dr. Burch's professional experience includes performances with the Huntington Theatre Company, where she participated in educational initiatives and productions such as "A View from Here" and "Milk Like Sugar."

She is also an active member of Actors' Equity Association, advocating for workers' rights within the performing arts community.

Throughout her career, Dr. Burch has been recognized as a Gates Millennium Scholar and a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholar, reflecting her dedication to health justice and the transformative potential of the arts in public health.

Athena Maxwell

Athena Maxwell is a fine and applied arts educator based in Ridgewood, NJ. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Studio Art and a Master鈥檚 in Arts Education from NYU, as well as a Master鈥檚 in Educational Leadership from Ramapo College. Since 2007, she has worked to create equitable opportunities for high school students in the arts. Through her experience in charter, private, and public high schools in New Jersey and Brooklyn, Athena has become an advocate for comprehensive and continuous visual arts education, emphasizing accessibility for all students.

Bushra Ali

Bushra Ali (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. She later earned a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler Graduate School and is currently pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Bushra鈥檚 research explores how art therapy and creative expression serve as decolonized methods of healing within marginalized communities. She applies a community-based framework in her practice and is particularly dedicated to working with BIPOC and other marginalized populations.

Carolina A. Herrera

Carolina A. Herrera C茅spedes is a doctoral student at 帝王会所 and a researcher specializing in urban health, health communication, and risk communication, with a focus on Latin American cities. Her work aligns with the World Health Organization's Urban Health Research Agenda, exploring creative approaches to urban health challenges. Carolina鈥檚 research highlights the transformative role of arts and culture in promoting mental well-being and fostering inclusive urban environments. She is particularly interested in how diverse and underrepresented stakeholders, including emerging voices in urban ecosystems, contribute to healthier and more equitable cities. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges health, communication, and the arts to address critical urban issues.

Daniel J. King

Daniel J. King is an artist with a lens-based practice, interested in the idiosyncratic human relationship to place, geography, and representation. His work has been exhibited in the US and abroad, including the Richard M. Ross Art Museum (帝王会所 Wesleyan University), the Springfield Museum of Art (帝王会所), the Art Lit Lab (Madison, WI), Bogota Experimental Film Festival (Colombia), Split Film Festival (Croatia), AntiMatter Media Arts Festival (Victoria, BC), and the Athens International Film + Video Festival (帝王会所). He is a teaching artist and U.S. Air Force veteran from Columbus, 帝王会所 working across a perceived military-civilian divide to advance creative practice and social connections

Divine Kwasi Gbagbo, PhD

Divine Kwasi Gbagbo is an Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology in the College of Communication and Fine Arts at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. He earned his PhD in Interdisciplinary Arts from 帝王会所, where his research examined the interrelationship between Christianity and the musical practices of the Ewe of Ghana. His research interests include postcolonial influences on Ewe musical traditions in Ghana and Togo, as well as African music鈥檚 role in narratives of continuity and change in the diaspora.

Gbagbo鈥檚 recent article, Texts and Contexts: The Case of Jama Music Among the Youth of Ghana, explores how performance settings impact song meanings. With over two decades of experience in scholarship, research, teaching, and performance, he has taught world music cultures, African and African American music, music history, and interdisciplinary arts in various cultural contexts. As a composer, Gbagbo blends indigenous Ghanaian-Ewe compositional styles with Western classical techniques.

Eleanor Chin

Art has always been a cornerstone of Eleanor Chin鈥檚 life. Growing up in art schools, she used creative expression as a means of therapy, long before realizing its transformative power. In 2017, she earned her degree from an AATA-approved university, equipping her to help others heal through art.

Eleanor鈥檚 journey took an unexpected turn in 2019 when she became a single parent to a one-year-old at the onset of the pandemic. Facing limited opportunities for paid art therapy work, she persevered, returning to New York City in 2023, where she secured a position as an art therapist within two months. By August 2024, she was honored as a recipient of the Art Therapy Studio's McGraw Fellowship, recognizing her dedication to the field.

Her work focuses on sustainability, mindfulness, and self-care. By incorporating recycled materials into her practice, she fosters creativity while reducing environmental impact. She also integrates mindfulness techniques, encouraging clients to develop personalized self-care routines that support emotional well-being. Through daily mindfulness, physical activity, and artistic exploration, Eleanor remains fully present for her clients, fostering healing environments where they can thrive.

Elissa Johnson-Green

Elissa Johnson-Green is an Associate Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Program in Music Education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She is the creator and Project Lead of the EcoSonic Playground Project (ESPP), an inclusive, community-based initiative integrating music, sustainability, STEM, and social-emotional learning. Since 2016, she has implemented 26 ESPP programs across the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and Australia.

Her research focuses on music鈥檚 role in human development, family environments, and immersive learning experiences. She has received funding from the International Society for Music Education, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Boston Mayor鈥檚 Office, and more. Johnson-Green has served on editorial boards for academic journals and currently chairs the Early Childhood Music Education special interest group of the International Society of Music Education.

Gabby Wen

Gabby Wen (she/her/hers) is a PhD candidate in the Applied Intercultural Arts Research program at the University of Arizona. She studies the impact of person-centered music and virtual reality on people living with dementia, using collaborative approaches to enhance their well-being. Gabby also holds a multidisciplinary minor in Gerontology.

She earned her Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Music Performance from South China Normal University and her Master鈥檚 degree in Music from Hong Kong Baptist University. Her dissertation research, Echoes of Memories: Collaborative Life Story Work Using Personalized Music and Virtual Reality with Older Adults Living with Dementia, was conducted at an adult daycare center. Gabby has also contributed to projects such as Creating a Personalized Experience with Music and Virtual Reality for People Living with Dementia at a Memory Care Facility and Feasibility of a Virtual Reality Intervention to Reduce Loneliness and Psychosocial Distress Among Older Black Church Members.

Her research lies at the intersection of health, immersive technology, and the arts, advancing innovative interventions for older adults.

Godfred Asare Yeboah, PhD

Dr. Godfred Asare Yeboah is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Education, Winneba. His research areas include directing, devised theatre, community theatre, African theatre, theatre history, and acting. He holds both an MPhil and PhD in Arts and Culture and has published widely in academic journals.

Dr. Yeboah currently serves as the Production Coordinator for the Department of Theatre Arts at his university, where he mentors students and contributes to Ghana鈥檚 theatre landscape through innovative productions.

Hannah Schwarz

Hannah Schwarz is an analytically driven and culturally grounded qualitative public health researcher and development practitioner. She is dedicated to dismantling structural inequities and advancing reproductive health through community-driven action.

Her work focuses on the intersection of gender, sexual and reproductive health, and cultural practices, particularly in South Asia. Hannah has extensive experience leading qualitative research strategies, analysis, and participatory research, especially in low-resource settings. In her current work, she applies creative methods and human-centred design to engage adolescent girls practising chhaupadi鈥攁 cultural practice of menstrual seclusion in Nepal.

Hannah is committed to transdisciplinary research that bridges theory and practice, amplifying the voices and experiences of women, girls, and marginalized communities. She is currently a PhD student in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. Previously, she worked at The Asia Foundation in Washington, DC, overseeing reporting for six USAID-funded projects. She also contributed to the Women鈥檚 Advancement and Leadership in STEM portfolio and served in the Peace Corps in Nepal.

Hannah holds a Master of Professional Studies in Global Development from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Women鈥檚 and Gender Studies from Willamette University. Originally from Boise, Idaho, she continues to advocate for community-engaged health equity research and practice.

Josh Vieth

Josh Vieth is a scholar, artist, and PhD student in the Interdisciplinary Arts program at 帝王会所. His research focuses on cinematic temporality, duration, and the long take, with a particular emphasis on Slow Cinema and its connections to global art cinema and avant-garde traditions.

Currently working on his dissertation, Josh explores the evolving relationship between human cognition and digital image regimes, analyzing films he considers post-cinematic.

Beyond his scholarly work, Josh鈥檚 filmmaking practice interrogates cinema鈥檚 illusionary elements and its ability to frame time, space, and sensation. His work challenges conventional relationships between spectators and images, integrating theory and practice to create films that reorient viewers鈥� cinematic experiences.

Piper Hutson, EdD

Dr. Piper Hutson is an art history professor and Arts and Health Specialist based in Missouri. Her expertise lies in neurodiversity, cognitive neuroscience, and the transformative power of art in healing.

As a researcher and co-author, she explores the intersections of brain networks, sensory experiences, and creative practices to foster inclusion and well-being, particularly for neurodivergent individuals.

Dr. Hutson collaborates with state arts councils, museums, and healthcare organizations to develop programs that use cutting-edge technologies鈥攊ncluding haptics, biometrics, and sensory tools鈥攖o enhance interoception, emotional regulation, and cognitive resilience. With a strong foundation in neuroaesthetic research, her work merges art and science to inspire wonder, promote self-awareness, and support transformative healing experiences.

Jason Otoo

Jason Otoo is a second-year PhD candidate in Ethnomusicology, currently supported by the DAAD scholarship, a partnership between the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana, the University of Maiduguri in Nigeria, and the University of Hildesheim in Germany.

Jason completed his Senior High School education at Ghana Secondary Technical School in 2011 and holds honorary alumnus status from St. Augustine鈥檚 College after participating in Ghana鈥檚 first National Exchange Program in 2008. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Master鈥檚 degree in Ethnomusicology from UCC, receiving the Dean鈥檚 Award of Excellence for his research on dance troupes in Cape Coast.

In addition to English, Jason is fluent in three local languages and has pursued further studies in French, earning diplomas from Universit茅 de Lom茅 and Universit茅 Bordeaux III, France.

Since 2016, Jason has worked both locally and internationally, focusing on performing arts, gender equality, and advocacy. He currently serves as the Head of the Literary and Performing Arts Department at Ghana鈥檚 National Commission on Culture, under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

His doctoral research investigates dance and gender expression within indigenous traditional performances in Ghana. Despite societal resistance to gender non-conformity, Jason remains committed to fostering progressive dialogue and advocating for cultural evolution. He recently completed a short residency at Rhodes University, hosted by the International Library of African Music (ILAM) under the Department of Music and Musicology.

Jennifer McCloskey

At the intersection of arts in health and disability-centred research and programming lies a transformative approach to fostering inclusion, empowerment, and well-being. By integrating creative expression into health and wellness initiatives, this project amplifies the voices of disabled individuals while addressing their unique experiences and needs.

The Garden of Self project emerged from the collaborative efforts of Global Arts in Medicine Fellowship fellows, including Ryn Delpapa, Arshia Marwah, Jennifer McCloskey, Madhumita Mishra, Maria Alejandra Rosales Quino, Ebirim Praise Tochukwu, and Kelly Logan Walker. This global initiative brings together creatives and researchers to develop an arts-based project that centres the lived experiences of disabled individuals.

Inspired by themes of growth, resilience, and self-discovery, Garden of Self uses the metaphor of planting and nurturing a garden to represent personal journeys with disability and identity. Participants engage in creative activities incorporating soil, seeds, and flowers, allowing them to explore their identities and self-perception of disability while celebrating their individuality.

This project was developed and implemented globally in Peru, the United States, India, Myanmar, and Nigeria, demonstrating its inclusive approach. All workshops adhered to the highest ethical standards and received IRB approval to ensure participant safety and contribute to the growing body of arts in health research. The pilot research period ran from October 5th to January 5th.

Kelly Logan Walker (she/they)

Kelly Logan Walker is an arts in health practitioner based in Cincinnati, 帝王会所. At the University of Cincinnati, Kelly earned both a BA in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Anthropology as well as a Masters Degree in Social Work. They have experience as a school based therapeutic group facilitator for grade school youth and more recently as a hospital based psychiatric social worker for medically admitted patients seen by the psychiatry team. Now, as an independently licensed social worker, they are starting a new role at an integrated care clinic offering individual therapy and group therapy for individuals experiencing homelessness, both at the clinic and at local shelters. Kelly hopes to broaden the reach of an arts in health approach into a variety of community spaces that is inclusive of individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Kelly is currently working towards the completion of a 200hr Yoga Teaching Certification, which corresponds with and supports their holistic approach. Kelly serves as one of the Disabled Creatives Alliance (DCA) arts in health group facilitators, and has co- facilitated an online workshop and has hosted an in person workshop in Cincinnati for the Global Arts in Medicine Fellowship. Their artistic contribution of meditative prompts for mindful movement is meant to support integration and transition within the arts workshops. By slowing down the mind and rooting into the present with gentle suggestions, the hope is that participants of the workshops will be centered and confident in their unique capabilities to create.

Ryn Delpapa

Ryn Delpapa is an entrepreneur, arts in health practitioner, and speaker on a mission. Their mission is to create art, designs, and innovation for planetary health, honoring the diversity of plants to people. They have a B.S. in International Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin, and they鈥檝e approached life with curiosity, weaving a kaleidoscope career from Houston, Texas, to Chengdu, China. From 200-HR RYT mindfulness yoga instruction to 8 years of startup experience leading to founding their social impact venture, Virtual Oasis Tech, at the intersection of environment and mental health, Ryn brings awareness, insights, and actions to fostering personal and planetary health as a creative health-focused artist and business owner. Accessibility is a critical facet of their work as a neurodiverse trauma-informed person, bringing their lived experiences and research into areas of art, tech, and social impact to inspire health, inclusivity, ecological awareness, and social equity. Their interdisciplinary artist practice spans physical and digital mediums with art exhibitions in New York, Houston, and San Francisco. Ryn has supported the leadership and program development of the Disabled Creatives Alliance as lead program designer for the Disabled Creatives Alliance鈥檚 pilot program, Garden of Self, launched in 2024 in collaboration with the DCA and the Global Arts in Medicine Fellowship. They are a facilitator, researcher, and organizer in the IRB-approved study championing arts integration for disabled communities across the globe.

Jessica Griffin Burke, PhD, MHS

Dr. Jessica Griffin Burke is responsible for building global health partnerships across health science disciplines. Her seven years of experience living in Thailand and training in cultural anthropology, global health, social epidemiology, and behavioral sciences inform her participatory approach to developing partnerships and projects.

Her work focuses on women鈥檚 health, particularly in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, intimate partner violence, substance use, and mental health. She has built several successful global health research-practice partnerships, including current projects in Nepal and Madagascar.

In 2014, Dr. Burke co-authored the book Methods for Community Public Health Research: Integrated and Engaged Approaches, which outlines her research framework. She is a professor of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and directs the Concept Mapping Institute and the Community-Based Participatory Research and Practice Certificate Program.

She is also the co-creator of Collaborative Filmmaking, an embodied, visual, and participatory research method that trains participants to create, analyze, and screen films to generate a deeper understanding of sensitive health topics. Her films have been screened at venues such as the Smithsonian Institute, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, and United Nations Headquarters.

Jessica Fletcher

Jessica Fletcher is a music therapy professor at the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts. Before transitioning to teaching, she practiced music therapy for ten years in Southeastern 帝王会所, working in settings such as medical facilities, hospice, mental health centers, addiction recovery programs, and correctional institutions.

Her passion lies in supporting youth and women in Southeast 帝王会所, helping them find empowerment through creative expression, particularly through music and dance.

Jessica is also the Curriculum Director for the 帝王会所 Valley School of Celtic Dance and Culture, where she helps teachers develop leadership skills while creating safe spaces for artistic expression and choreography. She has over 15 years of dance experience, specializing in Irish Dance and Ballet.

Megan Starkey

Megan Starkey is a first-grade teacher with a Master鈥檚 degree in Reading and Literacy Education. She is passionate about creating welcoming and trauma-informed spaces for young learners, emphasizing social-emotional learning and literacy skills.

As the Creative Director of the 帝王会所 Valley School of Celtic Dance and Culture, Megan develops developmentally supportive dance steps and choreography designed to empower young dancers and foster confidence and success.

With over 20 years of dance experience, including Irish Dance, Tap, and Modern, she blends her expertise in education and dance to create enriching learning experiences for children.

Joanna Lau

Joanna Lau is a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University, pursuing her Master鈥檚 in Flute Performance. She is a founding member of CMU鈥檚 Scottie Sound Bath, a student-led initiative that brings sound bath experiences to the CMU community and beyond.

Passionate about creating sonic experiences that promote mental and physical well-being, Joanna integrates her background in music and science to support holistic healing.

She also holds a degree in Neurobiology from Harvard College. In her free time, she enjoys writing, drinking coffee, and napping.

Joelle Afi Agbodjan

Joelle Afi Agbodjan is a community dance artist and MA student in Community Dance at 帝王会所. With experience in facilitating community dance, African dance genres, and modern dance, her work explores the intersection of dance, culture, and social cohesion.

She recently led the project Memories from Home, using dance to help international students share personal narratives and foster a sense of belonging.

As the Symposium Coordinator for the Global Arts Festival 2025, Joelle is committed to creating spaces for artistic exchange and dialogue at the intersection of arts and health.

Josh Birnbaum

Josh Birnbaum (b. 1985, Los Angeles, CA) is a photographer, educator, and author currently based in southeastern 帝王会所. He is an Associate Professor of Instruction at 帝王会所鈥檚 School of Visual Communication, where he teaches courses in photography, picture editing, digital imaging, and multimedia storytelling.

Beyond academia, Josh serves as the Director of Circle Round the Square, a nonprofit summer arts enrichment program for youth in Nelsonville, 帝王会所. Through his work, he explores innovative ways to use photography as a tool for social impact and community engagement.

Katie Butler

Katie Butler is a theatre maker and educator based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Originally from Texas, she earned her BFA in Theatre from the University of Texas at Arlington before completing a Professional Certification at the Actors Conservatory in Portland, OR.

Her teaching career began in 2015 at Spring High School in Texas, where she implemented trauma-informed physical theatre practices in her curriculum. She later pursued an MFA at the Pig Iron School in Philadelphia, where she specialized in devising theatrical works and co-founded Shakespeare on Tap, an improv-based company that reimagines classical works in unconventional spaces.

Katie has developed physical theatre and process-based workshops for educators, artists, and students nationwide. Her research and teaching center around disability and movement practices, which she explored in her 2023 HowlRound essay, "Movement is for Every Body." She now teaches at Carnegie Mellon University, where she develops inclusive movement curricula that maintain rigor and artistic excellence for diverse bodies and abilities.

Kofi Anthonia, PhD

Kofi Anthonio is a practitioner, dance educationalist, and choreographer pursuing a PhD at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana. He holds an MFA in Dance and has created numerous choreographic works, performing extensively in Ghana and abroad.

He served as Associate Artistic Director for the National Dance Company of Ghana at the 2023 BAM Festival. His work continues to shape the contemporary Ghanaian dance landscape.

Patience Nana Akua Anthonio

Patience Nana Akua Anthonio holds a BFA in Dance and an MA in Business Administration from the University of Ghana. She is both a researcher and a banker.

She also performed with the National Dance Company of Ghana at the 2023 BAM Festival.

Kuhle Mbawu

Kuhle Mbawu is a second-year Theatre and Performance student at the University at Buffalo, New York. She completed her undergraduate theatre training at The Market Theatre Laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa, focusing on acting.

Her experience spans multiple roles, including Teaching and Research Assistant, Lighting Designer, and Graduate Assistant in the Scene and Costume Shop at Bowling Green State University Theatre Department.

Kuhle鈥檚 research interests include African Feminism, Black Feminism, Black Performance, Pan-African Theatre, African Theatre History, Performance Historiography, and Theatre Administration.

 Lisa Gallagher, PhD, MT-BC

Dr. Lisa Gallagher, PhD, MT-BC, is a music therapist, researcher, educator, and program founder. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from 帝王会所, her Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development from Walsh University, and her PhD in Psychology with an emphasis on Health Psychology from Northcentral University.

She founded the music therapy program at Cleveland Clinic (帝王会所), where she now serves as Research Program Manager for the Arts & Medicine Department. She is also an Adjunct Faculty member at the Cleveland Music Therapy Consortium, Augsburg University, and 帝王会所.

Dr. Gallagher has published widely and is a frequent presenter at local, national, and international conferences. Her team received a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and she was part of the team that won the 2023 Arthur Flagler Fultz Research Award from the American Music Therapy Association.

She is a former Chair of the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) and a Past President of the Great Lakes Region (GLR) of AMTA.

Maridee Slater

Maridee Slater is an interdisciplinary director, producer, and educator with over 20 years of experience creating transformative theatrical experiences. A graduate of Columbia University鈥檚 MFA Theater Directing program, she is known for her collaborative approach that integrates directing, devising, and production with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Her career spans new play development, musicals, immersive horror experiences, and socially driven performance pieces. She has worked with renowned companies such as BLACKOUT, Tectonic Theater Project, and Degenerate Art Ensemble, crafting works that push artistic boundaries while maintaining ethical practices and psychological safety.

As Artistic Director of Blue Water Theatre Company, Maridee directed and produced 17 full productions, including Devilfish by Jay Eddy and No Sympathy for the Wolf by Scott Mebus. She has also taught directing, movement-based performance techniques, and collaboration at Columbia University.

A builder-artist at heart, Maridee combines her technical skills in scenic carpentry and design with a passion for storytelling, bringing bold artistic visions to life.

Mikayla B. Hyland

Mikayla B. Hyland is a Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional (CPCP) and tattoo artist based in the greater Cleveland, OH area. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a focus on Bioethics from Cleveland State University in 2020 and holds a Certificate in Bioethics. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Bioethics and Medical Humanities at Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Public Health at Brown University.

Mikayla completed her tattoo apprenticeship in 2016 and advanced her training at The Sauler Institute of Tattooing in Manhattan, New York, in 2019. She serves on the board of directors for the Society of Permanent Cosmetics Professionals, where she is both Ethics Chair and Education Chair.

As the owner of three award-winning tattoo studios, Mikayla specializes in medical tattooing, particularly in scar revision and trauma healing. Her own experiences with trauma shape her client-centered approach, and she advocates for increasing awareness of medical tattooing as a tool for self-esteem and mental health recovery.

In the future, she aims to contribute to research in the tattoo industry and improve educational standards for professionals.

Monique Mead

Monique Mead has been a lifelong advocate for the healing power of music. Mentored by Leonard Bernstein, she has spent three decades performing on major international stages across the U.S., Europe, and Mexico as a soloist, chamber musician, and presenter.

Beyond performance, Monique creates music programs that uplift and connect communities. She is the founder of: Azure Family Concerts Pittsburgh, an interactive concert series for families with autistic children; Lullaby Project Pittsburgh, a collaborative songwriting program for parents and babies; Shadyside Porch Concerts, a neighborhood music series launched during the pandemic; Beethoven in the Face of Adversity, a performance series highlighting resilience through music.

In response to the post-pandemic mental health crisis, Monique expanded her practice to include sound healing techniques, using singing bowls, gongs, and violin-infused sound therapy. She now runs Sound Healing with Monique at a mental health center in Pittsburgh, offering certifications, workshops, and private sessions.

Since 2012, she has served as Director of Music Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University, where she supports student mental health and leads sound bath programs. Her research collaboration with University of Pittsburgh鈥檚 Behavioral Health Department measured the impact of sound baths on mood and stress reduction in 240+ participants. The study earned a 2024 American College Health Association award and will expand to college campuses in 2025.

Nana Amowee Dawson, PhD

Dr. Nana Amowee Dawson is an Intercultural Artistic Researcher and music educator specializing in African musical arts, with a focus on Ghanaian-Akan-Mfantse musical traditions.

He earned his PhD in Music Theory and Composition (2023) from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, following an MPhil (2015) and BMus (2011) in the same field. His expertise spans: Music theory and composition; Aural culture and popular music; Choral directing and orchestration; Electroacoustics and digital music research

Committed to grassroots engagement, Dr. Dawson is a high school music tutor at Ghana National College, where he mentors young musicians. His research focuses on intercultural understanding through music education and the role of African art music in contemporary society.

Dr. Dawson鈥檚 work bridges cultural divides, celebrating the richness and diversity of African musical traditions.

Natallia Yeloshyna

Natallia Yeloshyna is a PhD candidate in Interdisciplinary Arts at 帝王会所. Originally from Belarus, she earned her Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Media and Communication from European Humanities University in Lithuania and a Master鈥檚 in Film Studies from 帝王会所.

Her master鈥檚 thesis explored collaborative cinema, examining how fan labor contributes to contemporary commercial filmmaking. Her dissertation expands on this research by investigating the personal functions of fan participation in film production.

Osei Latipher Amma, PhD

Dr. Latipher Amma Osei is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba, specializing in dance and music. With over 12 years of teaching experience in the Department of Theatre Arts, she has played a vital role in shaping performing artists in Ghana.

She also serves as the Treasurer of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and has authored 12+ publications. A digital advocate, she trained faculty in the University鈥檚 Learning Management System during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond academia, Dr. Osei has contributed to artistic performances, helped revise Ghana鈥檚 Senior High School Performing Arts Curriculum, and led research for the Decolonization Education for Peace in Africa project. As Vice Dean of Student Affairs, she prioritizes student welfare and cultural diplomacy.

Roya Nazari Najafabadi

Roya Nazari Najafabadi is an artist born in Iran and based in Minneapolis. Her artwork, which spans continents and cultures, incorporates painting, sculpture, and video to tell personal and emotional stories. My work explores themes of identity, environmental issues, and the female experience, particularly focusing on the struggles and visibility of women, especially those from my home country. By incorporating Iranian motifs and scripts, I weave my personal history into each creation, sharing my cultural heritage and bridging cultural divides. As a storyteller, I use my art to invite viewers into a dialogue about freedom, repression, and self-expression. I aim to challenge myself, express my feelings, and develop empathy with each piece. My art is a testament to inspiring change and connecting humanity across borders.

Johnson Edu, PhD

Dr. Johnson Edu is a Senior Lecturer in Theatre Arts with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in technical theatre, design, and special effects makeup, and has earned recognition for his contributions to Ghanaian theatre and film.

He holds a PhD in Arts and Culture and an MFA in Theatre Arts. In addition to theatre, he is a multi-instrumentalist and has published extensively in academic journals.

Renee Gallagher, MEd

Renee Gallagher, MEd, is a staff member in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine Office for Organizational Well鈥怋eing. A former professional competitive ballroom dancer, she won the U.S. National Professional Rising Star Rhythm Championship before an unexpected injury curtailed her pursuits. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Renee went on to own and operate dance schools in San Jose, California, and Richmond, Kentucky. Although she no longer owns a studio, she remains passionate about developing learning programs that foster community and connection. Renee continually creates arts engagement experiences that can be facilitated in shared spaces where we live, work, learn and play. Renee is a doctoral student in the University of Kentucky College of Education, Learning Design and Technology program. She is pursuing an EdD in Instruction and Administration, with a focus on removing barriers to access for participatory arts programming. Renee is dedicated to advancing learning experiences that illustrate how creativity, empathy, and the arts can cultivate meaningful relationships in workplaces, healthcare environments, and rural communities. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time at home with her family and fur babies watching University of Kentucky sports. 

Rodolfo Kusulas

Rodolfo Kusulas is a transdisciplinary creator with a deep passion for social innovation and sustainability. He uses his work as a tool to help communities thrive. With experience working internationally, he has a background in industrial design, and extensive experience in branding, product, and retail. After winning a global competition for the 140th anniversary of Heineken. Kusulas joined VBAT as a creative in the Latin American office. Since 2018, he has developed programmatic design, creative workshops, and creat community development work both with KOUS studio, which he co-founded in 2016, and in collaboration with artists and non-profit organizations. In recent years, he turned to research as the base for his desi practice. He graduated in 2024 with an MFA in Transdisciplinary Design from Parsons School of Design, where he has also been a visiting professor and will start teaching Sustainable Design and Creative Strategies in 2025.

Sara Allard

Sara Allard is an Autistic writer living in Indiana. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, graduating Summa Cum Laude and earning the Maud Helm Rockwell Award for superior scholarship. As a student, she was a member of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society and an editor for Aurora, the longest continually running college literary arts magazine in the nation. Her work has been featured in two editions of Aurora, including an essay about how embracing her Autistic identity helped her overcome years of self-hatred and anxiety. Whether it鈥檚 studying classic literature, singing in choral ensembles, cosplaying at pop culture conventions, or following indie animation, Sara has a lifelong love of the arts and the communities that surround them. She is also passionate about the Autism community and is dedicated to improving disability policy, amplifying self-advocates, and building a better future for all Autistics. Her senior thesis, titled The Autistic Heroine鈥檚 Journey: A Model for Authentic Representation of Autistic Women in Fiction, combined these two passions into a bold call to action: Give Autistic women the voice and visibility they deserve.

Sara E. Baumann, PhD, MPH

Sara Baumann, an Assistant Professor in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, is a global health, mixed methods researcher. She is the Founder and Director of the Global Women鈥檚 Health Research (GLOWHER) collective and co-director of the Concept Mapping Institute at Pitt Public Health. Her primary research interests encompass three cross-cutting domains: 1) the innovative application of participatory, arts-based, and visual research methodologies; 2) gender and reproductive health, and 3) mental health. Her research using arts-based and embodied tools is characterized by a commitment to community-engaged methods, a transformative research paradigm, and is guided by principles of design justice. Dr. Baumann has over 15 years of experience conducting research and programming in health and development in South Asia, with a current focus on Nepal. She has also been conducting collaborative and partnered work in Madagascar on comprehensive sexuality education since 2020. Her scholarly contributions have been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the American Journal of Public Health, Qualitative Health Research, Global Public Health, Health Promotion Practice, and more. Her work has been featured on diverse media platforms, ranging from NPR to Glamour Magazine, and her films have been screened at the Smithsonian Institute, Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, and United Nations Headquarters in New York. Dr. Baumann鈥檚 research pursuits have been supported by a Career Development Award (K01) from the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health USA, a Fulbright Scholarship to Bangladesh, and a Boren Fellowship to Nepal. , and more. She is affiliated faculty of the Center for Women鈥檚 Health Research and Innovation, Asian Studies Center, and the Ford Institute for Human Security at the Graduate School of International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as the Faculty of Health Education at Tribhuvan University, Nepal. 

Stephen Nyanteh Ayesu, PhD

Stephen Nyanteh Ayesu was born in Nsawam, Ghana, in 1992. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, in 2016, and an M.Phil. degree in Music (Music Technologies for Composition) from the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, in 2019. He also holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. He is currently waiting to graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Music.

In 2021, he was employed as a Music Technology Lecturer in the Department of Music Education, University of Education, Winneba. Since September 2017 he has been with the Department of Music Education, University of Education, Winneba where he teaches Music Technology, music production, sound engineering, Ethnographic Film and Music Research. His current research interests include music technology, recording, production, Ghanaian Traditional music, digitization, digitalization, ethnomusicology, and composition. Stephen is a member of the School of Creative Arts Faculty University of Education Winneba, South African Society for Research in Music (SASRIM), a Research Assistant for the Centre for Research and Culture and Creative Arts (UEW), and a Research Assistant for Prof. Paschal Younge鈥檚 ethnomusicological field works in Ghana.

Mrs. Vivian Boateng

Mrs. Vivian Boateng, CEO of Vivie鈥檚 Dance and Theatre Academy (VDTA), is a dynamic leader in Ghana鈥檚 arts education sector, with over 15 years of experience shaping young talents. Starting her journey modestly, she visited various schools, sharing her love for dance and drama, and slowly built VDTA into a nurturing environment for young people to engage with ballet, African dance, acrobatics, and theatre arts. Today, VDTA is recognized for its impact on Ghana鈥檚 performing arts scene, mentoring many young adults and industry peers.

Mrs. Boateng鈥檚 extensive background includes her role as a former lecturer at the University of Ghana's Theatre Arts Department, where she further honed her dedication to arts education. She also leads Creative Education in Drama (CRED) in Accra, advancing theatre education through a curriculum that equips students with the creativity, discipline, and skills required in the performing arts. As a certified professional in the American Ballet Theatre鈥檚 National Training Curriculum and the Acrobatic Arts program from the UK, she brings international expertise and a structured approach to each element of her academy.

Her vision extends beyond technical skills; she uses arts as a powerful medium to address societal issues, driven by her belief that 鈥淓veryone has something valuable to share in this life. Find yours and fully express it 鈥� Own your space!鈥� Mrs Boateng鈥檚 philanthropic and mentoring efforts resonate deeply in the arts community, inspiring a new generation of creative thinkers who are transforming Ghana鈥檚 cultural landscape. As VDTA grows, so does her unwavering vision of an inclusive and vibrant arts scene in Ghana.

Dr. Yunjia Yang

Yunjia Yang is currently a postdoctoral fellow and instructor at the College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. She holds a Ph.D. from the Applied Intercultural Arts Research Graduate Interdisciplinary Program at the University of Arizona, with a minor in Public Health, and earned my Master鈥檚 in Chinese Folk and Ethnic Dance from the Beijing Dance Academy. Trained in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, she has contributed to 12 research projects examining the impact of dance and Tai Chi on health. Her scholarly output includes two book chapters (in Chinese), multiple journal articles, and presentations at leading conferences, such as the National Dance Education Organization Conference and the Science of Tai Chi & Qigong as a Whole-Person Health Conference. Her research interests focus on dance, Tai Chi, and mindfulness-based arts as health interventions in diverse communities, with a particular emphasis on their applications in healthy ageing. In addition to her academic research, she has been a dance, Tai Chi, and yoga instructor for over a decade, teaching in universities, studios, and private settings. She has also served as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Dance Education, an assistant editor for the Journal of the Beijing Dance Academy, and a journalist at the National Center for the Performing Arts magazine in China.

Zoe Gross

Zoe is an artist and educator currently pursuing her Doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Arts at 帝王会所, Athens. Zoe鈥檚 studies in philosophy of art focus on the metaphysical nature of aesthetics, play theory, and dialectical logic. Trained in ceramics, drawing, and painting, Zoe鈥檚 current artworktakes the form of ephemeral site-specific installations made from found natural objects, such as tree bark, sap, and eggshells. In both her creative practice and scholarship, Zoe is interested in what art can teach us about our fundamental human being in the world.

Jai M. Williams

Jai M. Williams is the Program Manager of UCLA's Prison Education Program. She is a South Los Angeles native born in Inglewood, California. She is an alumna of UCLA鈥檚 Kaufman School of Dance and received her dual master鈥檚 in dance education and Master of Fine Arts in Dance from New York University. She taught dance in New York City and Los Angeles for several years to grades K-8. These styles included Ballet, African, Latin, Tap, Creative Movement, Hip Hop, and Jazz. While at UCLA, she taught movement workshops inside juvenile halls. After graduating from UCLA, she worked for a non-profit, Agency Arts, teaching dance, theater, and poetry to formerly incarcerated, system-impacted, and foster care youth. Jai is working with UCLA's Art & Global Health Center on the Up to Us program, created in partnership with the Prison Education Program. She firmly believes that everyone should have access to dance.

Melita Belgrave, PhD, MT-BC